Kaelynnee arrived home, eager to share some wonderful news with her parents. However, upon entering, she encountered her parents in the midst of an argument, adding to the stress of her brother's hospitalization. In a moment of distress, she hurried upstairs, the sound of a shattering vase echoing behind her. Tears welled up in her eyes as she reached the final step, her shoes slipping off as she finally closed the bedroom door behind her. Collapsing onto the bed, she gazed at a picture of her and her brother, both smiling, a poignant reminder of better times.
Hide, when are you coming home?
She closed her eyes, envisioning a world detached from reality, yet fate intervened, weaving its presence into her thoughts. On a significant day, while hurrying across the street, encouraging her brother to hasten his steps, a swift black car unexpectedly struck him before swiftly departing. Awoken by the resounding slam of a door downstairs, she caught a glimpse of the vehicle's lights diminishing as it retreated down the driveway from her window. Hastening out of bed, she observed her father driving away, only to be interrupted by a knock at her bedroom door, finding her mother waiting outside.
"Kaeylnnee, there is something important that I must share with you. Your father will be relocating and will no longer reside with us. Regrettably, he has incurred a substantial debt exceeding one million dollars, which has been linked to your name through the misuse of your social security number," her mother conveyed with a tone laced with disappointment.
I don't believe it
Recalling the cherished moments of her childhood, Kaelynnee fondly remembers the times spent with her father, who was always by her side, promising to shield her from the world's chaos. He assured her of a comfortable life without needing to work. However, as reality dawned on her, Kaelynnee struggled to accept that her father had actually put her in debt.
"You must be weary from your day at school. Rest well, my dear."
She heard her mother's footsteps receding from her door before dropping to her knees. The overwhelming amount of debt seemed almost impossible to believe. She wished it was just a dreadful dream. "This can't be real," she reassured herself. "Dad always said no more pudding at night to avoid strange dreams."
She nestled into her bed, drifting into slumber as her form descended into the watery depths enveloped by bubbles. The jarring alarm stirred her from the realm of dreams, where she had hoped the night's terrors remained confined. In solitude, she bathed and savored breakfast at the kitchen table, her voice echoing as she called out for her father, only to realize his absence signaled a departure she had not anticipated.
This is not real!
She raised her hand and slapped herself across the face. Tears streamed down her face as she felt her heart weigh heavy upon discovering that her father had packed his bags and departed. Upon realizing that the number she dialed was out of service, she threw her phone into the wall in frustration. He had completely shut her out of his life.
Pops! Why?
How come you couldn't have taken me with you.....
She went to retrieve her backpack from the chair when she noticed the pile of bills on the table, especially the hospital bills and the notice. This prompted her to make the tough choice of leaving college and seeking employment. Being young and inexperienced, she could only secure a job at a nearby gas station that paid minimum wage.
Despite the crackling screen, she managed to utilize her phone. During her breaks, she engaged in conversations with an online acquaintance who provided solace by sharing picturesque snapshots of his travels and culinary delights. She found comfort in confiding her daily challenges to him, and remarkably, he consistently offered words of encouragement that lifted her spirits. This interaction served to alleviate some of her burdens, offering a momentary escape from her troubles.
I wish I never existed
"Kaelynnee, your break is finished. Please come and clean the walls," her manager called out.
" Yes, sir."